WHEELING, Ill.—Derived from a year’s worth of observation and analysis, Brentano’s 2013 color forecast pinpoints six colors that will shape interior design in the coming year. More than any other factor, color—and these colors specifically—will guide the Brentano Design Studio and the collections they develop for 2013 and beyond.
“We are very meticulous about color,” says Brentano Design Director Iris Wang, who is already developing colors for 2014. “We look at what colors are selling for us, and that analysis reveals some trends. Then there are trends in fashion, car colors, packaging colors, and special requests from designers; I use all of these indicators as a reconfirmation of what I foresee for interiors.”
Unlike fashion where trends are temporary, changes in interior design tend to be more subtle, often relying on a base of neutral hues. For their fourth annual color forecast, the Brentano Design Studio selected Graphite and Linen, two complex neutrals first forecast for 2012, to carry through into the new year.
READ: I&S talks with Iris Wang about bridging the gap between fine art and commercial art.
The classic Marine from 2012 will intensify into a rich Sapphire in 2013, Brentano predicts, and be joined by Periwinkle, an extremely beautiful color with the versatility of a neutral. Two new vibrant hues, Raspberry and Saffron, will also pop up in 2013, the epitome of drama and luxurious, saturate color.
Periwinkle - A modern periwinkle can be hard or soft, steely or romantic. With this incredible versatility, clear, beautiful lavender celebrates the rise of elegant pastel shades for fashioning dynamic, luxurious spaces.
Raspberry - Bold but accessible, raspberry strikes a sophisticated balance between classic cranberry and fashionable hot pink. Paired with neutrals, romantic raspberry speaks of effortless luxury; alone, it makes a vibrant statement.
Graphite - First forecast by Brentano for 2012, neutrals will continue to shift in 2013 from silvery platinum and dark brown shades into graphite, a cooler gray with lingering warmth. A perfect backdrop for vibrant colors, it also pairs beautifully with other neutrals.
Saffron - Daring saffron evokes the richness of gold, but in a deeper, warmer hue. With jewel-tone complexity, saffron yellow is a statement-making accent or a versatile complement to exotic, color-rich environments.
Sapphire - An intensely deep blue, sapphire evolved from the marine color forecast by Brentano for 2012. More striking than navy and more complex than cobalt, the sophisticated jewel tone is a soothing, clear color that brings life to a room.
Linen - Warm, natural linen has a timeless beauty that carries it from Brentano’s 2012 color forecast into 2013. Rather than one distinct shade, unprocessed linen exhibits a subtle range of neutrals that make it both rich and inviting, the essence of natural luxury.
